SickKids doctor charged with possessing, accessing child sex abuse material, police say

Dilan Dissanayake, 44, placed on immediate leave, hospital says

A doctor at Toronto's Hospital for Sick Children has been charged with possessing and accessing child sexual abuse and exploitation material, police say.

Dilan Dissanayake, 44, of Toronto, was arrested and charged Tuesday, Toronto police said in a news release.

Police said in the release that its internet child exploitation unit launched an investigation after a person allegedly used an electronic device to access and download child sexual abuse and exploitation material.

In February 2026, police carried out search warrants at the hospital and at a private home, seizing several electronic devices, including a work computer.

"At this time, investigators have found no evidence that the child sexual abuse and exploitation material is connected to his practice as a physician," police said in the release.

Dissanayake was due to appear in a Toronto courtroom on Tuesday. The charges against him have not yet been tested in court.

Hospital 'deeply upset and dismayed' by news

In a statement posted to its website, the hospital said it is "deeply upset and dismayed" by the news and it condemns the behaviour alleged by police. It said the safety and well-being of its patients, families and staff is its highest priority.

"SickKids has not been notified of any risk to patients and families, and the Toronto Police Service has indicated there is no evidence that the charges are connected to Dr. Dissanayake's medical practice," the hospital said in the statement.

Dissanayake was placed on immediate leave once the hospital became aware of the investigation, it said.

The hospital said families of patients who received care from Dissanayake can contact its patient relations team with any concerns.

Anyone with information is urged to contact police.